The court had deliberated on whether Syrians who return to their country would likely be victims of persecution, arrest or torture. It concluded that there was no evidence of systematic interrogation in Syria, basing the decision on a statement by the Foreign Ministry.

It further said that each Syrian’s case had to be dealt with individually by German authorities.

Refugee advocacy groups criticized the decision.

“The UNHCR has indicated that there is a pattern whereby returning Syrians are imprisoned and disappear,” said Bernd Mesovic from refugee NGO Pro Asyl.

“When in doubt, the protection of refugees should take precedent. But the higher one goes up the court ladder, the more political the justice system becomes.”